Applying to Purchase Prior Service

Register for or log into your myVRS account to review prior service in your record that is eligible for purchase. Your employer's human resource office also can offer assistance. Using myVRS, you can:

Select the type and amount of prior service to purchase.

Choose the order in which you wish to purchase service.

Calculate the cost to purchase service.

See the impact of purchasing service on your future retirement benefit.

Evaluate the time it will take to recover the purchase cost in retirement.

Your online myVRS account includes counseling tips to guide you through each step of the purchase process.
Once you commit to the purchase online, you may make a lump-sum payment directly to VRS. Or, you can set up a purchase payment agreement by printing your cost estimate page and working with your employer.
VRS must receive your lump-sum payment or employer-approved agreement within 90 days of your confirmation, or you must reapply.
Please note that, generally, the cost to purchase service increases over time.

Eligibility for Service From Non-VRS-Participating Employers

In the following cases, the previous employer with which you earned the service will need to certify your prior service before you can complete the purchase:

Active duty military service. A copy of your DD214 or a copy of your orders for National Guard Service may be required.

Military leave (no cost). A copy of your DD214 or a copy of your orders for National Guard service may be required.

Full-time salaried federal service or other public service. If you participated in the federal retirement system or the retirement system of another public employer, you also must obtain certification from your previous retirement system that you are no longer eligible for a retirement benefit under that employer's plan. All defined benefit funds must be withdrawn from the previous retirement plan.

Eligibility for Service From VRS-Participating Employers

In the following cases, the previous VRS employer with which you earned the service will need to certify and enter your prior service eligibility in the VRS system before you can complete the purchase.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for your own serious medical condition or that of your immediate family member, both as defined under FMLA, approved by your employer at the time of the leave.

Service not reported.

Changing Jobs While Purchasing Service?

If you have a purchase agreement in place and move from one state employer to another without a break in service, VRS will continue the agreement automatically. Purchase agreements will end if you move among other employer types or have a break in service.

Should You Move Out of State

If in the future, you leave VRS-covered service and move to another state and need certification of your prior service with VRS, call 1-888-827-3847 or email vrs@varetire.org for assistance.